It is with great sadness that we recently learnt from Steve Miskin of the sad passing of former Worcestershire & Herefordshire RFU President Pat Dalley.
Pat died suddenly on Saturday 2nd November 2024 in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham after a long illness aged 77.
Pat was rugby through and through who was President of W&H RFU from 2013-15 having been a Committee member for many years.
His playing career was at Kings Norton RFC where he was also a past President and Chairman. During his tenure as chairman of rugby at the club, he oversaw KN regularly putting out 6 teams and was pushing for a seventh on occasions.
He also knew that the social side of the club was of paramount importance. To this end he often organised social events, welcomed new members with warmth and made sure that visitors felt at home.
As Pat would often say ‘fancy a swift half?’
Let us all charge our glasses and raise them to a great rugby friend.
Rest in peace old mate.
Steve Miskin
Funeral arrangements will be communicated as and when they are known.
Regards,
John Slim
Acting Hon. Secretary
Worcestershire & Herefordshire RFU
07989786913
When the Game went professional in the late 1980s there was a desire from players at all levels to play league rugby rather than just friendly matches with the odd cup game. It was therefore incumbent on the North Midland Committee at the time, firstly through John Jeavons-Fellows and then David Robins, to find numerous league secretaries to administer the various leagues under their jurisdiction. Pat Dalley, who has sadly died, was one of these and he carried out the job with distinction.
Initially, Clubs played each team in their league just once per season and then, the following season the fixtures were reversed. It was Pat who had the clarity of thought to see that this did not necessarily produce a fair result at the end of the season. His drive and enthusiasm for larger leagues, with each Club playing each other twice per season, home and away, led to the structure that is still in place to this day.
It was not an easy task convincing some Clubs though and various seminars and consultancy meetings were set up for the Clubs within North Midlands to air their views. Pat had a sincere love of the game of Rugby Football and he was able to put across his argument in an eloquent, clear and erudite manner that finally convinced the majority that this was the way forward and we should be forever grateful for his contribution.
Contributors Simon Peace and David Robins
